Flat-rate shipping and stricter requirements introduced after US ends small-package tariff exemptions
Singapore Post (SingPost) has rolled out a new retail postal service to the United States, responding swiftly to import regulation changes that eliminate tariff exemptions for low-value parcels.
New Service Launch
Starting Monday, Sep 15, SingPost customers can access the new Speedpost Direct International (Retail) service. The launch comes just weeks after the US abolished its long-standing “de minimis” exemption, which previously allowed tariff-free entry for shipments valued at US$800 or below.
Pricing and Packaging Options
The retail service offers two standard packaging choices at flat shipping rates, excluding duties and taxes:
- Padded envelope (16.2 x 22.9 cm, up to 0.5kg): S$29 (US$23)
- Box (31 x 23 x 9 cm, up to 2kg): S$69
Each shipment must not exceed a declared value of US$100. Items sent in other packaging will be repacked into SingPost’s standard envelope or box to ensure compliance.
Transparency and Compliance
SingPost emphasized that the service is designed for transparency. “Our post office staff will assist customers in calculating and collecting all necessary duties and taxes upfront, eliminating the surprise of unexpected fees for the recipient,” said Neo Su Yin, SingPost’s Group Chief Operating Officer.
Customers must also provide the country of manufacture and the harmonised system (HS) code for each item, both mandatory under US customs requirements.
Wider Shipping Landscape
The regulatory changes took effect on Aug 29 under the Trump administration, marking a permanent end to tariff exemptions for low-value parcels. Duties and taxes now range from 10% to 50%, depending on the product type and country of origin.
According to the Universal Postal Union (UPU), at least 88 postal operators worldwide have fully or partially suspended services following Washington’s new tariffs. SingPost itself stopped accepting items with commercial value under its standard services from Aug 25.
Premium Option for Larger Parcels
For packages exceeding 2kg or valued above US$100, SingPost recommends its Speedpost Express International service, which starts at S$159 before duties and offers a faster delivery window of three to six working days.
Regional Impact
The shift in US import policy directly affects small businesses and individual senders in Singapore and across Southeast Asia, where cross-border e-commerce is a vital growth sector. With flat rates covering over 80% of typical shipments, SingPost’s new service seeks to cushion disruption and keep Singapore’s retail customers competitive in a tightening trade environment.
The end of tariff exemptions for small parcels marks a new era in cross-border trade. For Singaporeans and Indonesians engaged in e-commerce, the shift underscores the importance of compliance, transparency, and adaptability in shipping strategies. SingPost’s move highlights how regional businesses must evolve quickly to remain resilient in the face of global regulatory shifts.
Sources: The Business Times (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: SingPost, US Parcel Service, Import Tariffs, Retail Shipping, Singapore Post, Speedpost
